Assessing the presence of heavy metals in the area of glloogoc (Kosovo) by using mosses as a bioindicator for heavy metals

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the level of pollution from heavy metals that are deposited from air in the area of Gllogoc. The main goal was to identify the emission sources of pollution by using mosses as bio indicators. In this study area, the mining of Fe-Ni (Industrial Ferronickel Complex) is believed to strongly influence the level of heavy metals. The mining and production activity of Fe-Ni affects the soil, water and air. As the air pollution (from liberated aerosols of Industrial Ferronickel Complex) and the deposition products of this pollution are harmful not only locally but also can pollute the environmental at extended distances, the use of mosses allows analyzing the content and origin of the pollution from heavy metals. ICP was used for the determination of heavy metals in moss samples. The use of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), dendograms and other statistical procedures, permitted to understand the source of the air pollution from heavy metals.